In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Tom Schwartz recently shared an encouraging update about his longtime friend and former Vanderpump Rules co-star, Jax Taylor. As they navigate life after Taylor’s divorce from Brittany Cartwright, Schwartz revealed that Taylor is currently 202 days sober, a significant milestone that he is proud of. Schwartz expressed, “I see that he’s trying, trying to be better,” emphasizing the importance of Taylor’s progress, especially as he continues to work in the bar industry.
However, Schwartz is also realistic about Taylor’s journey, acknowledging that while he has made strides, there is still a long road ahead. “Is he cured? No, he’s not,” Schwartz stated. “He’s still Jax Taylor, and he’s still capable of being a menace. He’s got a lot of work to do and he knows this.” Taylor himself has admitted to recognizing the challenges he faces, stating, “Yes, I think I’m on the right path, but I still have a long way to go.”
The upcoming season of The Valley promises to delve deeper into Taylor’s struggles, showcasing his return home from a 30-day stay at a mental health treatment facility where he sought help for his anger issues. In a candid moment on Alex Baskin’s “Hot Mic” podcast, Taylor revealed his battle with addiction, particularly with cocaine, marking a turning point in his life.
As fans of Vanderpump Rules are aware, Taylor’s personal life has been tumultuous. Recently, Brittany Cartwright announced her plans to divorce him after five years of marriage, leaving the couple’s four-year-old son, Cruz, caught in the middle. Schwartz hopes to maintain friendships with both Taylor and Cartwright, despite the tensions that may arise. “I have a reputation as being Mr. Ride the Fence, but it’s like I’m trying to hold compassion for this guy who’s at one of the lowest moments in his life, even though he did it to himself,” Schwartz explained. He also reassured fans of his loyalty to Cartwright, stating, “I still love her. She’s one of my dearest friends, too.”
Despite their complicated history, Schwartz confirmed that he remains neighbors with Taylor after the latter moved out of his and Cartwright’s shared home. “I don’t hear a peep out of Jax,” Schwartz noted, adding that Taylor has been a respectful and quiet neighbor, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded their previous interactions.
The Valley airs on Bravo every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, offering viewers an inside look at the lives of these reality stars as they navigate their personal challenges. For those struggling with substance abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).